The refrigerator is empty, save for half a head of wilted cabbage and an old bottle of ketchup. In a few minutes, five children will walk through the door, and Miriam still has no answer for the question she knows is coming: “What’s for supper?”
Her mind races frantically. Can she borrow a bag of potatoes from the neighbor? No, she already did that last week and still hasn’t returned it. A cup of rice from the lady down the hall? She did that yesterday.
Suddenly, a knock at the door.
She checks the clock, her heart pounding. Who got out of school early today? Who’s going to be the first to see the empty stovetop? Which child will be first to face the disappointment of knowing that there’s no supper tonight again?
With a heavy heart, she opens the door to find herself facing two young men carrying a large, heavy crate. The aroma of hot, savory food fills the hallway, wafting into the foyer.
“Hi. We’re from Meirim Lachaim,” they say simply. “Everything here is strictly kosher and ready to eat.”

Before she can find the words to thank them, they’ve left the crate and disappeared with a cheerful “Have a great day!”
She leans over the box, stunned. Inside is everything she could have asked for—and more! Roasted chicken and potatoes, fresh vegetables and bread. Enough for a feast! Enough for her family to feel whole again.

Meirim Lachaim finds those families that so many others have forgotten—widows, orphans and families in deep distress that are missing the very basics. We ensure that widows and struggling mothers can rest assured that their children have access to hot, healthy meals.
Is there any greater act of chessed than that?